Laser brazing of inconel 718 alloy with a silver based filler metal

In the presented study laser brazing of an inconel 718 alloy with silver based filler metal using 400 W pulsed Nd:YAG laser is investigated. Laser brazing was performed with varying laser frequency, pulse width, process speed and gap distance. The effect of preheating on wetting and spreading also was studied. Brazing geometrical images were observed using an optical microscope. The composition analysis and microstructure of the filler metal and brazed joints were examined using X-ray diffraction analyzer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Micro-hardness and tensile test were performed for investigation of mechanical properties. The experimental observations show that filler metal consist of alpha-Ag solid solution, alpha-Cu solid solution surround by the alpha-Ag solid solution and eutectic structure. Phases of the brazed joint are similar to the filler metal. The results indicate that the filler metal has adequate wetting and spreading on inconel 718 and the wetting angle depends on the heat input significantly. Interdiffusion occurs in laser brazing and the average thickness of reaction layer is approximately 2.5 mu m. Whenever the gap is big, it is needed to use longer pulse width in order to have a better melting flow. Preheating has significant influence on wetting and spreading of the filler metal. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.